|
|
|
|
An Ancient Survivor |
| Section: NATURAL SCIENCE / NATURE WALK |
| Author: Jim Osborn |
| Publication: The world & I online |
| Issue Date: 6/1/1995 |
| Size: 1,174 Words, 7,092 Characters |
|
During the full moons of late spring, beaches up and down the coastline from Nova Scotia to Louisiana and on the Yucatán Peninsula may appear peaceful, bathed by the aura from above. But not far offshore, sands 50 feet below the surface are stirring with the movements of creatures whose species dates back to prehistoric times. Known to us as horseshoe crabs, they are beckoned to the beach for their annual migration to breed.
The ritual pilgrimage to the beaches, following a winter of hibernation, is one of the mysterious but reliable mechanisms that have kept the horseshoe crab alive and flourishing for over 200 million years. This marine arthropod with a horseshoe-shaped body has a number of unique features and a simple, unobtrusive life-style. It has won the affection of nature lovers...
. . .
...lines in the horseshoe crab population, which is now being protected.
The horseshoe crab's survival over hundreds of millions of years can be attributed to a design that works. It has adapted to a wide range of habitats, varying in temperature and kinds of food. Its unique combination of complexity woven into simplicity is merely one example of the wondrous intricacy of all life around us.
(806 of 7,092 characters)
Do you want to read
the whole article? You can
purchase it here.
Subscriber Login |
|
|
Publication Details
(The World & I Online) |
|
The World & I Online is a
comprehensive academic resource that encompasses a broad range of
articles by scholars and experts in the areas of Global Studies,
Liberal Arts, Fine & Applied Arts, General Science, and Spanish.
Originally published monthly in print as The World & I, our site
includes the complete contents since 1986 and continues to publish
a new issue online each month. |
|
Individual Subscription
|
 |
|
|
|
College Orders (based
on full-time enrollment) |
|
-
2 to 5 Computers |
|
-
Up to 1,000 Students |
|
-
1,001 to 2,500 Students |
|
-
2,501 to 5,000 Students |
|
-
5,001 to 10,000 Students |
|
-
10,001 or More Students |
|
|
|
Public Library Orders |
|
-
2 to 5 Computers |
|
-
6 to 50 Computers |
|
-
51 to 100 Computers |
|
For over 100
computers, call 866-211-6040. |
|
|
